tvN’s new weekend drama 'Typhoon Family' is drawing massive attention ahead of its premiere. Following the success of its predecessor, 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' which surpassed a 20% viewership rating and became a cultural sensation, expectations are rising for this highly anticipated follow-up. Even before airing, the drama has been hailed as “a hit before its first broadcast” thanks to its stellar cast, period setting, and top-tier production quality.
Premiering on October 11 at 9:10 PM KST, 'Typhoon Family' is set against the backdrop of the 1997 IMF financial crisis. It follows the story of a man who suddenly becomes the rookie CEO of a bankrupt trading company and struggles to rebuild it from nothing. The protagonist, Kang Tae Poong (played by Lee Jun Ho), refuses to give up amid the economic storm of the IMF era, ultimately growing into a true leader who preserves the value of “unity.”
tvN described the series as “a story not about extraordinary heroes, but about ordinary people who held onto one another and survived through crisis.” Under the name 'Typhoon Family,' a group of diverse individuals comes together, forming a warm sense of camaraderie that lies at the heart of the drama.
Kang Tae Poong, played by Lee Jun Ho, was once a popular youth in Apgujeong before the IMF hit. He spent his nights dancing at Juliana Nightclub until one day, his life crumbled as bankruptcy struck. His friend Yoon Sung (Yang Byeong Yeol) disappeared overnight, and his father’s 26-year-old company, Typhoon Trading, faced collapse. Once the boss’s son, he becomes a rookie employee who mistakes fax machines for telephones — but instead of giving in to despair, he takes on challenges headfirst.
By his side are colleagues who endured the IMF era with him: founding member and career woman Cha Seon Taek (Kim Jae Hwa), self-proclaimed ace Go Ma Jin (Lee Chang Hoon), orchid-loving Gu Myung Kwan (Kim Song Il), Generation X representative Bae Song Joong (Lee Sang Jin), and accountant Oh Mi Sun (Kim Min Ha). Though imperfect, they fill each other’s gaps, embodying the strength of teamwork — the drama’s emotional core. “Work isn’t done alone — you need people,” says a key line that encapsulates the drama’s message of solidarity and hope.
The ensemble poster also garnered much attention. Scattered papers, worn-out office equipment, and a faded workspace capture the atmosphere of 1997 perfectly. Yet inside, the characters continue to move with determination. The tagline — “1997, our story of rising again” — symbolizes the will of ordinary people to stand up even in despair.
The chemistry between the two leads is another highlight. Action-driven Kang Tae Poong (Lee Jun Ho) and logic-minded Oh Mi Sun (Kim Min Ha) complement each other as they navigate the turbulent waves of the IMF crisis, creating a new synergy.
The drama also meticulously recreates the era’s ambiance — from nightclubs and trading offices to broadcasting stations, complete with pagers, city phones, denim-on-denim fashion, and bridge hairstyles. It promises not just nostalgic appeal but an immersive experience that feels vividly real.
Ahead of the premiere, both leads shared heartfelt messages for viewers. Lee Jun Ho said, “I want to send my support to everyone living through their own fierce battles today. I hope this drama brings comfort and encouragement to all who are doing their best in their own way.”
Kim Min Ha added, “Even when everything feels dark and you think you’re not moving forward, the light eventually appears. You’re not alone — remember that. I carried that feeling into my performance, and I hope that sincerity reaches the viewers.”
'Typhoon Family' tells not of grand spectacles but of human warmth — the power of connection that overcomes crisis. It’s a survival story of ordinary people who endured the 1997 IMF crisis, and in many ways, it’s also the story of us living today. All eyes are on whether 'Typhoon Family' will once again dominate tvN’s weekend lineup, continuing the “20% ratings syndrome” legacy.
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